Apple updated its support documentation for the Mac Mini on September 21. The new guidelines indicate that the SSD modules in models equipped with M5 and M6 chips are no longer classified as user-replaceable parts. Unlike previous versions, the official repair manuals for these devices do not include instructions for independent SSD replacement.
The design shift involves soldering NAND chips directly onto the logic board, mirroring the architecture used in iPhones. In older Mac Mini models, the SSD was a separate, easily removable module. This change means that any attempt to replace or upgrade storage now requires specialized equipment, such as a heat gun, to desolder and resolder the chips.
Engineers in Huaqiangbei have already tested the new hardware. They confirmed that even the 256GB version, which utilizes two pads, can be upgraded by manually adding resistors to complete the circuit. While the process is technically feasible, it requires professional skills and tools, which may lead to higher service costs for consumers compared to previous generations.
